NOREX 18 designed to sharpens winter warfare skills

Hundreds of soldiers from the Canadian Army are deployed to the Arctic this month to conduct Northern Exercise 2018 (NOREX 18), taking place from Feb. 4-17.

The approximately 235 members deployed on this exercise are from the 4th Canadian Division, located in Ontario. These soldiers will be able to sharpen their survival, mobility, winter warfare skills and sustainability skills all in a harsh winter climate.

The purpose of NOREX 18 is to maintain an Arctic response capability and is designed to ensure Canadian Army personnel have the ability to move, communicate, and command under harsh weather conditions, and in remote locations.

During their deployment, the soldiers will also simulating first response scenarios. Soldiers will be trained on the planning and response to the generated scenario.

“NOREX 18 will demonstrate our ability to rapidly respond to emergencies in the far North within its austere and harsh winter conditions. These exercises help to improve and sustain our Arctic expertise in support of Canada’s defence priorities in Northern Canada and to serve our most remote communities,” said BGen. Stephen Cadden, Commander 4th Canadian Division.

Particular units taking part in this year’s NOREX are: 31 Canadian Brigade Group, headquartered in London, ON; 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, headquartered in Petawawa, ON; and the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, headquartered in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

“This challenging exercise is an incredible opportunity for our soldiers to test their survivability, mobility, and sustainability in Canada’s Arctic, while ensuring we can provide support and operate when and where Canadians require us,” said LCol. Perry Rittershofer, NOREX 18 Exercise Director.